When welding on thick plate or pipe, it is often impossible for the welder to get 100% penetration without some type of groove being used. The groove may be cut into just one of the plates or pipes or both. On some plates it can be cut both inside and outside of the joint. The groove may be ground, flame cut, gouged, sawed, or machined on the edge of the plate before or after the assembly. Bevels and V-grooves are best if they are cut before the parts are assembled. J-grooves and U-grooves can be cut either before or after assembly. … Continue reading Back gouging in welding